There’s a proverb that says “when eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.” Bill Braman is remembered for being purposeful with his generosity. In the greater Greenville area, many of our resources- schools, businesses, medical care, and GACF- have grown and flourished because he was dedicated to the betterment of his community.  

Bill came to the area to be a fruit grower and became successful in that industry. He was active in the community, sharing his time and expertise with many groups. As a GACF Trustee, Bill served as Chair of the Investment Committee and was integral to the success of the foundation’s investments. “His pleasure was making money and seeing someone got the use of it,” shared Carol Fancett, Bill’s daughter. 

While serving on the GACF Board, Bill often asked, “What if?” He valued the way community foundations could partner with donors to respond to needs. With this confidence, he set up three endowment funds with GACF. The Bill Braman Camp Concordia Designated Fund was established to provide funding for Camp Concordia in Gowen, MI. The Bill & Helen Braman Unrestricted Fund provides funding for grants to address the senior citizen, literacy, health, and educational needs of the Greenville area community. The Bill Braman Family Fund is an unrestricted fund awarding grants to local nonprofits through the competitive grant cycles.  

In 2006, Bill was honored with the Corewell Health Foundation Fred and Lena Meijer Spirit of Caring Award. Receiving the award, he articulated his modest yet meaningful approach to philanthropy. “I find it very gratifying and interesting to in some small way help in the community I live in.”  

As GACF celebrates its 35th anniversary, we bring together the collective stories of donors, nonprofits, students, and community members to demonstrate the power of philanthropy in creating lasting impact and a stronger future.